Ri looked up, studying the terrain. He moved his shoulders. "I don't
know, but maybe they range this far. Maybe they're on this side of the
ridge, too."
Delicately, Extrone raised a hand to his beard. "I'd hate to lose a day
crossing the ridge," he said.
"Yes, sir," Ri said. Suddenly he threw back his head. "Listen!"
"Eh?" Extrone said.
"Hear it? That cough? I think that's one, from over there. Right up
ahead of us."
Extrone raised his eyebrows.
This time, the coughing roar was more distant, but distinct.
"It is!" Ri said. "It's a farn beast, all right!"
Extrone smiled, almost pointed teeth showing through the beard. "I'm
glad we won't have to cross the ridge."